Job Discussion Forums

[psychedelic]

Hello all,
I'm wondering what it's like teaching for Westgate? I've read mixed comments. The good, the bad and the ugly would be appreciated! Do you think it's still worth a shot?

Thank you,
Larry

[BenJ]

I did the 3 month, airfare-paid contract - no complaints. Very easy way into Japan to see if you want to stay. The only negative for me was the long hours - 9 office hours a day plus commuting on top of that - but the students were great and Westgate never looked over my shoulder.

Can't comment on the other Westgate programs.

[denise]

BenJ--

How was the housing?

I was offered a position with Westgate (the Academy program, I think), but I declined it because their employee handbook seemed a bit too heavy-handed. I believe I saw a clause stating that no guests were allowed in Westgate housing (no guests of ANY kind at ANY time).

There was also something about a cellphone that they would give you that would only dial the school office. Maybe sensible from the school's perspective, but it just seemed a bit antagonistic/untrusting. Gave me the impression (along with the housing restrictions) that they didn't want teachers to have happy, healthy social lives, and I didn't like the thought of working for a place that didn't care whether or not I was happy outside of my job.

Of course, since I didn't accept the position, I don't know if they're really like that.

d

[BenJ]

Yeah that was quite off-putting to me too - the phone, the no guests rule and the handbook.

Phone - tis freely provided by them so I took it as a way for my girlfriend to contact me with our normal J-phone. Other Westgate teachers I know all got J-phones as they wanted to call out (the phones can receive, but not call other than to Westgate). So basically you could ignore it, get your own.

Handbook - lots of nit-picking stuff but it's all just basic arse-covering. Not really worth worrying about if you do your job.

No guests after 10 - this would be pretty annoying I guess if they really had any way to check up on you - but as far as I could see with colleagues' apartments, they would have no idea what you do unless they talk to your neighbours.

The apartment wasn't an issue for me as I organised my own with my girlfriend, but two colleagues received pretty small 1K with lofts for the 80k a month Westgate charged. Definitely overpriced but you just pay 3 months' rent, no other costs so Westgate are recouping their deposit, refitting, key money et al this way.

All in all, for approx. 3 payments of 275k plus 100k towards your airfare, plus a one year visa, it is a pretty sweet deal. Long hours though, but for 3 months, who cares?

[wailingtraps]

I did the Westgate thing and would give it the thumbs up, albeit with a few reservations.

The long hours do grate after a few weeks. I was leaving about 8:30 am and getting back about 19:30-20:30 if I was lucky. So as you can probably work out there isn't a whole lot of time left for fun and games.

The company itself is very well-organized and they have very clear ideas about what they expect and what they want you to do as an employee. I think it's fair to say that they come across as a little bit heavy-handed at times. They seem to demand that you do things rather than ask.

It's also true to say that they make no attempt to help you enjoy your stay outside of work. This was not an issue as far as I was concerned. Find your own fun, I say.... However there is an clinical/cold/detached way they deal with you as an employee. A case in point being the letter you recieve asking about contract renewal. They want a commitment form you but are then unable to offer you the same kind of commitment in return.....We'll tell you later being the long and short of it.....There may well be a very good reason for this, but it doesn't reflect too well on their HR department.

Overall, I'd recommend it but be prepared for long hours and an impersonal relationship with the organization. They are very professional but perhaps lacking a little in the charm department. Japan itself is great and the three month contract is a good way to get a taste for the place.......good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!